Britain’s best juniper-rich and robust gins

Another historic brand that’s been in production since the 1830s is Tanqueray, often cited as one of the best examples of London Dry gin in existence. The recipe has never been revealed, but it’s believed that only four botanicals are used to flavour the spirit – juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice. This would explain why it’s such a popular choice with people who enjoy a traditional style of gin, bursting with juniper and not much else.

For a juniper-rich gin that’s a little more modern, Sipsmith (of which you’ll have no doubt heard of) is the distillery often credited with kick-starting the entire craft gin scene in 2009. This is for two reasons; they were the first distillery to start up in London for over 180 years, and they managed to get the law changed to allow small-batch distillers to sell their product, paving the way for dozens of other gin producers.

Sipsmith’s London Dry is quite a traditional gin, but the quality of the ingredients and attention to detail during the distillation process is what sets it apart. The Macedonian juniper is ever-present, but liquorice, orris root and angelica add plenty of depth while cassia, cinnamon and coriander give it a pleasing finish that brings everything together. The distiller believes Fever-Tree is the best tonic to use when making a G&T.

As the only family of original gin makers still distilling today, Hayman’s has a long and complex history, but since 2008 its London Dry Gin has been made in a small bespoke distillery in Essex to a family recipe. The ten botanicals are steeped in alcohol for twenty-four hours before it is distilled, while the balance of citrus flavours, earthiness and spice are balanced to create a depth of flavour behind the dominant juniper taste.

One of the most modern distilleries creating a classic, juniper-rich gin is Warner Edwards, which only started producing in 2012 but has already become a favourite with bartenders and connoisseurs alike. Housed in a converted barn in Northamptonshire, the distillery was founded by two friends who met at agricultural college and, after mulling over business plans involving essential oils and vodka, decided to settle on small-batch gin.

Warner Edwards is famed for its incredibly smooth taste, with plenty of juniper flavours balanced out by a good amount of orange and cardamom. Black pepper and elderflower are also included to add some interesting background notes, but it’s the way the different botanicals come together to create a rounded flavour that makes the gin such a popular choice.